AustLit

'“...cause Cupid is Venus' son and arrows fucking hurt...”

'Venus and Adonis, a brand-new work written and directed by Damien Ryan, tells the story of Will Shakespeare’s rival - a poet hidden in history - hers is an extraordinary story.

'The Bard told that story in secret, borrowed her life, her love, and even her words. Her name is Aemilia Lanyer. It’s time for her to speak for herself!

'Unlock one of the greatest mysteries of Shakespearean literature.

'Venus and Adonis – funny, dirty, dazzling– with a superb ensemble cast and a brilliant script. Released as a feature film in 2020 and finally making its world premiere in the theatre, this play hurls us into history's most influential masterpiece of love, copiousness, and copulation.

'Written and Directed by Damien Ryan whose previous two adaptations Cyrano de Bergerac and Antigone both won Sydney Theatre Awards for best production and were published to acclaim by Currency Press. It’s a passionate howl on behalf of storytellers everywhere, Venus and Adonis is Sport for Jove at its best. 

'If you loved Shakespeare in Love, you won’t want to miss this experience.

'It is about the need to love, the right to speak, and the power of the printed word.' (Production summary)